Experienced Attorney: Prince George’S County (District V)

State of Maryland•Prince George's, MD

21d

About The Position

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) seeks an experienced and zealous litigator to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The attorney in this position will combine their demonstrated commitment with their strong and zealous litigation skills to provide exceptional representation on behalf of their clients. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourage people historically underrepresented in the practice of law to apply. The Prince George’s office is a large urban public defender’s office with approximately 65+ attorneys and staff. MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All. We are committed to our core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, and tenacious advocacy, and remain united as a team in achieving our mission. At MOPD we use our legal education and experience to fight for justice and fairness, no matter what and we refuse to remain silent in the midst of human suffering. Our unique talents, identities, educational backgrounds, and perspectives guide us in representing our clients. We stand up against prejudice, systemic racism, and inequity in all of the spaces we occupy. MOPD seeks candidates who will join us in providing compassionate, competent, zealous, and client-centered representation to all of our clients. Learn more about our mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. OVERVIEW: The position requires exceptional trial skills, innovative thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to work independently in managing an active felony caseload. Prince George’s County attorneys practice vertical representation, in which an attorney who is initially assigned to a client continuously represents that client until the case is completed. Attorneys work in conjunction with social workers, investigators, experts, and core staff in a team-oriented environment. Attorneys must be able to balance a client-centered approach to representation with advocacy to address systemic inequity and the collateral consequences that lead to deeper system involvement. Prince George’s County boasts a very vibrant and exciting variety of case types. This position also presents opportunities for attorneys to participate in community events to promote the mission of MOPD while ensuring that our clients’ voices are amplified even outside of the courtrooms. Attorneys should be available to start within one month after receiving an offer.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to serving communities who have been pushed to the margins.
Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Clear dedication to upending systemic racism, prejudice, and unfairness in the criminal legal system.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and lived experiences.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, team-oriented environment.
Exceptional organizational, legal, and administrative skills necessary to handle a high caseload.
Criminal jury trial experience required.
Active membership in good standing in the Maryland Bar or Bar of another state. Attorneys barred in another state must become members of the Maryland Bar within 18 months of their start date with MOPD.

Nice To Haves

Felony (cases involving complex issues and/or where clients are facing the possibility of a life sentence) jury trial experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent clients in all stages of their criminal case including bail hearings, motions hearings, and trial, and post-trial hearings.
Ensures clients are consistently heard and respected.
Conducts legal research and analysis including changes in laws, legislation, procedural rules, court decisions, and case precedents in preparation for trial and to determine/anticipate legal problems and propose resolutions.
Drafts and prepares reports, memoranda in opposition, briefs, motions, and correspondence for clients.
Effectively and compassionately communicate with clients, team members, colleagues, and service providers to ensure optimal outcomes for clients.
Counsels and advises clients on changes in law, court decisions, and legal issues.
Negotiates with prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to establish agreements to resolve cases favorably for the client.
Competently, independently, and resourcefully manage a full caseload.
Continuously seek professional development by attending various training sessions.
Other duties as assigned by the Public Defender.